Full Agenda and supporting documents: https://pub-cornwall.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=4500
Re-watch the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBAncXMVEck
City Council approved a revision to their Mission Statement, decided to not allow Proxy Voting, approved Departmental Operational Review meetings in May, and received the Quarterly Economic Development Report.
Council approved the following under the Consent Items:
- Proclamation – Human Values Day (April 24, 2021)
- Annual Report from Integrity Commissioner
- CPPEG 24 Ninth Stree East, 205 Amelia, 280 Sydney Street, 208 Montreal Road, and 711 Pitt Street for a total of $106,938.54
- Childcare Division 5-Year Service System Plan
- RFP Terms of Reference for Asset Management Plan Update
- Tender 21-T04-2021 Asphalt Paving and Concrete Works on Various City Streets (for $2,464,385.93 to Cornwall Gravel Company)
Mission Statement
- Councillor MacDonald and Gardiner moved to adjust Council’s Mission Statement to include “socially” to “financially” and “environmentally” in the expression under the Strategic Plan. The new statement would read, “To provide services that enable a financially, socially, and environmentally sustainable community which will care and provide for the needs and values of its residents.”
- It is noted that this will not imply a change in direction to the Strategic Plan, but it makes a clear acknowledgment of the importance of people.
- Councillor Grant commented that “socially” is a complex item to measure.
- Council approved to add the word “socially” to the mission statement.
Proxy Voting
- Proxy Voting would allow Councillors to cast their vote on a motion even though they cannot attend a meeting (due to appointment, emergency, etc.).
- Councilor Grant moved not to support Proxy Voting and was seconded by Councillor Hollingsworth. He believes that Proxy Voting may make sense for municipalities with fewer Councillors. Still, there are enough Councillors in Cornwall that there is no need for Proxy Voting.
- Furthermore, Councillor Bennett believes that a change of decision may result from discussion and debate. A Proxy Vote would not allow that councillor to change their vote.
- Council approved to not add proxy appointments during a local state of emergency.
Departmental Operational Review
- Council approved to schedule two Special Council Meetings in May to receive an operating overview from the City departments.
- Councillor Bennett, Bergeron, and Hebert agreed that this would allow for a better service level and accountability to the public.
Economic Development Quarterly Report
- Cornwall ranked 8 out of 415 in Maclean’s magazine 2021 list of Best Communities in Canada.
- Despite the pandemic, there has been growth in Cornwall. Olymel and Walmart Logistics continue to recruit employees from outside of Cornwall, new restaurants and retail stores have opened, and there have been efforts to attract new residents.
Remediation of Gas Stations Upon closing
- Proposed by Councillor Gardiner and MacDonald and at the next regular meeting, Council will discuss a motion to impose gas station owners to remediate their sites should they close down. This is due to the areas being left contaminated and toxic.
Council approved the following By-Laws:
- By-law 2021-038 Lay Appointment – Cornwall Public Library Board
- By-Law 2021-039 24 Ninth Street East and 205 Amelia Street Program 2
- By-Law 2021-040 HOTC 780 Sydney Street and 711 Pitt Street Program 7
Roundabout at Vincent Massey Drive and Tollgate Road
- Councillor Dean Hollingsworth and Councillor Bennett will bring forth a motion to Council for discussion proposing a roundabout at Vincent Massey Drive and Tollgate Road be added to the 2022 budget deliberations as part of the Capital Budget.
Engine 17
- At a previous Council meeting, it was approved by Council to donate Engine 17 to Smith Falls. Since then, a group in Cornwall has come forward to request the opportunity to make a presentation to Council to restore Engine 17 and keep it in Cornwall. This will be presented at the next regular meeting of the Council for debate.
Council received the following Unfinished Business Listing for April 12, 2021:
| Title | Department | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Proxy Voting – November 23, 2020 | Corporate Services – Clerk’s Division | April 12, 2021 |
| Special Meeitngs for Council for Operational Review – March 22, 2021 | CAO | April 12, 2021 |
| Outdoor Gardening – COVID-19 – May 11, 2020 June 22, 2020 | Planning, Development and Recreation & Interim Report – Zoning By-Law | April 26, 2021 |
| Electoral System Review – Public Consultation – November 25, 2019 – January 13, 2020 – September 28, 2020 | Corporate Services | April 26, 2021 |
| Residential Rental Licensing Public Consultation and Survey Results – November 13, 2018 – June 8, 2020 – October 13, 2020 | Fire Services, Social Services and Planning, Development and Recreation | April 26, 2021 |
| Urban Campground in Guindon Park – November 9, 2020 | Planning, Development and Recreation | May 25, 2021 |
| Petition for Crosswalk on Second Street West (Riverdale Terrace) – February 24, 2020 – January 22, 2021 | Infrastructure and Municipal Work | Spring 2021 |
| Electoral System Review – Public Consultation – November 25, 2019 – January 13, 2020 – September 28, 2020 | Town Hall | TBD |
| Creation of Remote Worker Attraction Strategy – January 10, 2020 | Working Group | TBD |
| Newspaper Digitization Project – November 09, 2020 | CAO | TBD |
| Parking During Pandemic and Parking Program Working Group Recommendations – May 11, 2020 – June 8, 2020 – September 13, 2020 – January 11, 2020 – January 25, 2021 | Parking Program Working Group | TBD |
| Actionable Items from Environment and Climate Change Committee | Infrastructure and Municipal Works | TBD |
| Domtar Properties | CAO | TBD |
| CIL Property | CAO | TBD |
| Corner of Second and Pitt Street Properties | CAO | TBD |
| Social Media Policy – March 22, 2021 | Council Working Group | TBD |
The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021.
